THE COMMUNICATIONS BLOG

NTUNGAMO, 03-03-2025 – One of the most anticipated events on the regional social calendar kicked off in Ntungamo district on Monday, before heading to Mubende, Tororo and Lira later this month.

The Regional Film Competition is an initiative of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), designed to enhance the diversity of Uganda’s audiovisual content, empower upcountry filmmakers, expand audiences for local content, and cultivate business linkages at regional level.

Now in its third edition, the competition comprises week-long training sessions and public film screening in selected districts from all the regions of Uganda before award gala nights on 7th March 2025 in Ntungamo; 14th March in Mubende; 21st March in Tororo and 28th March in Lira.

The training sessions conducted by Proline Film Academy are tailored to support and promote local filmmakers to build their capacity to compete at national and international level and to contribute effectively to the socio-economic transformation of Uganda through the audio-visual arts sector.

The workshops are a four-day intensive and residential training affair, with both theoretical and practical sessions going on up to late evening everyday. The idea is to equip the trainees with skills in content production, marketing, and distribution as they seek to master the industry. Participants are selected on the basis of having submitted their films to the Regional Film Competition.

On the other hand, film screening aims to showcase to members of the public local films acted in familiar regional languages and settings with a view to promote local content in the spirit of BUBU – Buy Uganda Build Uganda. The screenings are conducted in a public place where access is free.

Other activities associated with the Regional Film Competition include sensitization and awareness campaigns in the selected districts during which filmmakers are coached about the opportunities available in the film and multimedia sector. Participants are also be exposed to key filming locations within the different regions to encourage localised storytelling.

The climax of the week-long events is the awards gala night during which outstanding talent and productions from each region are recognised and awarded prizes. Winners of the different film categories are selected by an elite panel of film stakeholders, including award winning actors, actresses and industry experts.

The selection process is a rigorous and meritorious affair where entries are thoroughly evaluated basing on their creativity, storytelling ability, cinematography, and impact. Added to the menu this year is the Community Impact Film category, where members of the public vote for a film that has created impact in their view.

The Regional Film Competition is testament to UCC’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and sustainable film industry in Uganda. Through such initiatives, Uganda’s filmmakers are given the platform to tell their stories, celebrate their heritage, and contribute to the nation’s growing creative economy.

Panel of Judges for the Regional Film Competition 2025

1.Dennis Onen (Lead Judge) – A renowned academic in film studies

2. Richard Mulindwa – Producer of What If and multiple Uganda Film Festival (UFF) award-winning productions.

3. Eleanor Nabwiso – Co-producer of the hit TV series Sanyu.

4. Loukman Ali – Acclaimed director of The Girl in a Yellow Jumper.

5. Nana Kagga – Producer of Nalwawo, UFF 2023 Best Feature Film.